I was truly blessed to grow up in a musically open and abundant time. You couldn't really roll up and be a half-ass performer and expect to stay too long. We had so much talent there wasn't room for everybody. Well, that and radio payola, protecting regional turfs and other shenanigans had a huge effect on who broke through to the big time.
This is another musical group of siblings that should have been promoted and nurtured to prominence. The 5 Stairsteps were vocally exquisite, musically lyrical and they were successful but I think got caught between the transitional shift between R&B/Soul and what would be known as Funk.
There were hits recordings but they are most known for Ooh Child. Some would try to classify them as one hit wonders. Not so, not true and pure bunkum. Here is my proof:
In hindsight, it might have been a good thing that they didn't have monster fame. There seems to be a hell of price to pay if you have that constricting kind of attention. I mention no names and I ain't looking for trouble.
Just saying life balance is a wonderful thing to achieve and don't underestimate the joy of peace.
And just as things are heating up financially in California, both fiscally and temperature wise it will be more of a struggle to remember the deep breaths of staying focused and calm.
There will be turbulence but things are going to get easier if we collectively work together to transform what is to what is can be. Easier said than done. A thought for Monday. In the meantime, crank up the box and make with the singing Ooh Child.
Peace and safety on the Fourth of July.
I love Ooh Child. I think it was such a great touch in the movie "Boyz in the Hood" because it said so much - it is every parent's wish for their child but you could tell the boy in the movie was walking such a dangerous line every day and that the wish might not come true in his case.
ReplyDeleteI think we all walk the line one way or another.
ReplyDeleteIf a DJ knew what he was doing he could pair up Ooh Child with Rance Allen's "A'int No Need of Crying" and The Sounds of Blackness "I'm Going All The Way"
Some days you need an extra dose of musical healing.